Analysis of New Media Communication Based on Lasswell’s “5W” Model

Abstract

Harold Lasswell is well known for his “5W” model of communication, which focuses on "Who (says) What (to) Whom (in) Which Channel (with) What Effect". In Lasswell's model of communication, the communication process is divided into five parts including communicator, information, media, audience and effect, such five research fields provide a very good point of view to study the new media communication. In the process of new media communication, these five elements are developing with their own characteristics. First, communicator is becoming more diverse, organization or individual, anyone can be the sender of information. Second, information is becoming massive and multimedia, text, image, audio, video, animation, etc., can be seen everywhere. Third, media is becoming more interactive which is the most important characteristic with new media technology development. Fourth, audience is becoming more personalized, showing more participation and initiative. In addition, effect of communication is presented rapidly, and at the same time, it is more intelligent to evaluate it. Under new media environment, communication process and the research of such five elements will have greater opportunities and broader prospects for development.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n3p245